If you’re looking for quick getaway, think Carmel. Just a couple hours in the car and you can play in the sand, do some serious shopping and drink good wine. But where should you stay? Carmel is chock full of great options for every taste.
In the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Cypress Inn offers guests glam, history and charm all rolled into one. Co-owned by Hollywood actor and pet lover Doris Day, the boutique hotel offers 44 cozy rooms complete with numerous extras for guests and their pampered pooches. There’s a decanter of sherry in every room, along with a bowl of fresh fruit and snacks. Bowls of candy and dishes filled with dog treats are always within reach in the lobby and open areas of the Inn.
Pampered Pooch at Cypress Inn
Dogs are everywhere; peeking out from balconies, on the hotel patio and in the lounge, especially during “Yappy Hour.” The Inn is also eco-friendly, replacing disposable water bottles with a stylish glass pitcher the bar will happily fill with complimentary cold filtered water. Little bottles of shampoo and conditioner have been replaced with permanent, refillable ones and rooms still use keys. Real keys, not plastic keycards.
The ocean waves will lull you to sleep at La Playa Carmel. Give yourself time to play and explore at the hotel. A pool and life size chess board are tucked among beautiful gardens and patios. Built in 1905 as a gift for a member of the Ghirardelli family, the hotel has 75 rooms of all shapes and sizes, making it a great option for traveling families. A Champagne Breakfast Buffet is included with every stay.
Nestled quietly off Ocean Avenue, but yet still close enough to walk to town, Carmel Country Inn delivers that home away from home feel for guests and their pets. The property’s dozen rooms range from a queen studio to two-bedroom, two-bath suites, but all have gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. A tasty breakfast buffet is served every morning in the kitchen.
If you’re willing to venture outside of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll be rewarded at Carmel Valley Ranch. Trade ocean views for 500 hundred acres of Carmel Valley views. Play golf, tennis, sit by the pool or suit up for a beekeeping lesson, learn how to distill lavender oil or tour the organic garden and salt house. And don’t forget s’mores every night by the pool. All of the 139 guest suites have fireplaces, private decks perfect for deer spotting and complimentary snacks.
Also a short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands gets visitors to explore a stretch of coast they might otherwise miss. The reward; epic views of the coast. Binoculars are just one of the amenities included with the 48 guestrooms.
Dana can be found on Twitter @drebmann
Dana’s trips were organized by Cypress Inn and the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, but as always her thoughts and opinions are her own.
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